The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has firmly rejected allegations suggesting that Nigeria and other member states are involved in sponsoring terrorism.
In a statement released on Thursday, ECOWAS expressed unwavering support for Nigeria’s peacekeeping efforts and condemned the accusations as baseless and unfounded.
The statement, issued by the ECOWAS Commission, emphasized its solidarity with Nigeria and other member nations, declaring:
“The Commission stands firmly with Nigeria and other ECOWAS member states against allegations that they are sponsoring terrorism.”
ECOWAS also praised Nigeria for its longstanding dedication to fostering regional stability and highlighted its leadership role in the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
The MNJTF has been instrumental in combating terrorism, particularly in addressing the activities of Boko Haram and other extremist groups in the Lake Chad Basin.
The regional body noted that Nigeria’s contributions have significantly promoted peace and security in West Africa.
Describing Nigeria as a “generous and magnanimous country,” ECOWAS commended the nation’s unwavering efforts in advancing peace initiatives not only within the West African subregion but also across the African continent.
The statement further urged all ECOWAS member states to prioritize dialogue over unsubstantiated accusations, stressing the importance of unity in addressing shared security challenges.
This development comes amid rising tensions between Nigeria and Niger Republic, fueled by recent accusations from Niger’s military leadership.
General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the Nigerien military leader, recently leveled fresh allegations against the Nigerian government. He accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of colluding with France to destabilize Niger.
According to Tchiani, Tinubu allegedly received financial incentives from France to permit a French military presence in a specific area of Borno State.
In addition to these claims, the Nigerien authorities alleged that a terrorist group known as Lakurawa, purportedly supported by foreign security forces, including Nigeria’s, was responsible for the December 13, 2024, attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline.
This incident has further strained relations between the two neighboring countries, which have been navigating a challenging diplomatic landscape in recent months.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has categorically denied these allegations, reaffirming the country’s commitment to maintaining peaceful relations with Niger and other neighboring states.
A spokesperson for the ministry dismissed the claims as an attempt to undermine Nigeria’s reputation and its efforts to promote stability in the region.
“Nigeria remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering peace and security in West Africa. These allegations are baseless and do not reflect the principles that guide our foreign policy,” the ministry stated.
Observers note that the allegations and counter-allegations come at a critical time for ECOWAS, which has been grappling with political instability, security challenges, and strained relationships among its member states.
Despite these challenges, the regional bloc has consistently emphasized the need for cooperation and collective action to address terrorism, insurgency, and other threats to stability.
ECOWAS reiterated its call for member states to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and unsubstantiated accusations, emphasizing the importance of unity and evidence-based discourse in resolving disputes.
As tensions persist, the regional body remains committed to supporting peacebuilding initiatives and fostering dialogue among its member nations.
The unfolding situation underscores the complexity of regional politics in West Africa and the necessity for collaborative efforts to address shared challenges.
ECOWAS’s firm stance in support of Nigeria highlights the regional body’s dedication to fostering peace, security, and stability across the subregion.
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